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2019 NFL Draft: Tennessee Titans 7-round mock

By Joe Romano

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 21: Mike Vrabel of Tennessee Titans gives instruction to his team during the NFL International Series match between Tennessee Titans and Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley Stadium on October 21, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 21: Mike Vrabel of Tennessee Titans gives instruction to his team during the NFL International Series match between Tennessee Titans and Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley Stadium on October 21, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) /
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ANN ARBOR, MI. – NOVEMBER 03: Michigan defensive back David Long runs up the sidelines after intercepting a pass off Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley during the fourth quarter of a college football game against Penn State University on November 3, 2018, in Ann Arbor, MI. (Photo by Lon Horwedel/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI. – NOVEMBER 03: Michigan defensive back David Long runs up the sidelines after intercepting a pass off Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley during the fourth quarter of a college football game against Penn State University on November 3, 2018, in Ann Arbor, MI. (Photo by Lon Horwedel/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Round 3 – Pick 82

David Long, CB, Michigan

When doing a mock draft, I like to look beyong just immediate pressing needs. That means including players who could be cap casualties or players that could see a diminished role for their team. Looking at Tennessee a prospect that could be cut for cap reasons is corner Logan Ryan. He was signed as a big free agent only two years ago. However the team added Adoree Jackson in the draft and Malcolm Butler a year later. In order to save $9 million dollars, they could let Ryan walk and find a cheap replacement in the draft.

The perfect Ryan replacement in round three would be Michigan corner David Long. Long is like Ryan in that he projects best in a slot role but has the ball skills, speed and press ability to play on the boundaries. His best role is still in the slot where he can use some excellent shadow ability and agility to match with the players that typically line up there in the NFL.

Long will need to work on his run responsibilities and tackling if he wants to be a long term starter. He, like most corners, is a timid tackler that tends to dive at ankles instead of wrapping and driving. With NFL teams being a base nickle league now, that third slot corner is increasingly important. Long has the skills and athleticism to thrive there and would be a solid pickup for a team that needs some corner help.

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